The London bombing have focused the nation’s attention on security and suddenly everyone is an expert on CCTV ... its power to protect society, its pluses and minuses and, above all, its absolute necessity in these turbulent times. Hours of airtime have been given over to the subject of public CCTV, something that a decade or so ago divided public opinion. Would we end up a Big Brother society? Well now, most citizens would much prefer to know that someone is watching over them. CCTV has demonstrated that it can be an enormously effective power for detection. With images of the bombers dominating the press and TV for days on end and leading to apprehension, all talk has been about how fortunate it is that the UK is so well covered. Of course, wishes have been expressed for sharper images but most images have been fit for their purpose. Were London and its districts not so well covered by CCTV, it is questionable whether or not arrests would have been made with such commendable speed.

Importantly, it has been publicly demonstrated that CCTV is doing its job and is justifying its cost. Following this demonstration of effectiveness, there will be few who can argue against cameras on all public transport merely on the grounds that it is an “invasion of privacy”.. Cost will always be a factor, but the will to have kit installed and properly maintained must loosen purse strings everywhere. The eyes of the world have been on London and, no doubt other cities are looking on enviously at the speed with which useable CCTV shots were in front of the public. The use of CCTV to quickly identify a suspect in the recent high profile stabbing death on the top deck of a bus will also lend weight to cameras being installed wherever passengers could be at risk. The speed of the process is, undoubtedly, down to digital equipment and the frequently quoted “police are trawling through hours of tape” must have been met with a few wry smiles in the industry.

The irony that appaling tragedies such as these are a ‘boost’ for this industry has not gone unnoticed. Undoubtedly, there are many operators who are now making sure that proper maintenance is carried out on all security systems even if it had been allowed to slip before the incidents. The non-working camera on the first bombed bus should serve to remind operators that repairs or maintenance must be carried out speedily (according to a BSIA survey on page 8 CCTV was buoyant before the atrocities). Of course, the everyday bread and butter installation job is far removed from high profile public surveillance. But in a world of increasing barbarity and lack of respect for human life and property all aspects of this industry are assuming greater importance. I find it surprising that we talk of a skills shortage and a lack of young engineers in this industry when, increasingly, security is becoming central to all our lives. Undoubtedly the heightened profile – unwelcome as it may be – will change this situation.

Source

Security Installer